My Blog Resolutions for 2018

It feels weird to think that this is my last blog post of 2017, and that I’m making blog resolutions for 2018 already. For one thing, I’m still amazed that I’ve actually kept the blog going for another year. I guess I’ve surprised myself in sticking with a hobby for longer than a few months truth be told. And there’s been quite a few times I’ve wanted to pack it all in to be honest with you. But for some reason or another I’ve stuck with it. And I’m actually really glad that I have.

On another note, where the hell did 2017 go?! Part of me feels like it went by in the blink of an eye and the other feels like the year dragged on way too long. Either way, here’s my last ever post on the blog for 2017 and I thought it would be a perfect chance to just sit down and have a chat really, and make some blog resolutions for 2018. So here goes nothing…

My Blog Resolutions for 2018

1) Step away from the phone

I KNOW! This seems like the most random, ironic and completely opposite thing that a blogger should do but actually, I’ve heard from so many other bloggers and YouTubers who swear by having some unplugged time at least once in their day let alone in their week.

I admit, I spend far too much time on my phone to the point where I honestly do think it’s bordering on an obsession. From the minute I wake up to the minute I go to bed, my phone is always near me just so I can do that all-important scroll on Instagram, upload a new pic or check what’s happening on Twitter.

It’s fast becoming a job in itself and I’m getting tired of it. But that’s only because I’m constantly involved with it. In 2018 I intend to turn off my phone at least an hour before bed (no midnight scrolling any longer!), and actually plan designated phone time. The rest of the time I’ll put it away – out of sight out of mind and all that jazz.

I hope that by doing this it’s going to make me less fixated on what everyone else is up to and focus more on my own content. I just think there’s a healthy relationship to be had with social media, and I want to get back to that healthy point again.

2) Don’t stress about schedules….but take time to plan better

This does sound like a bit of a pointless double negative I know…but in my head it makes sense. What I mean basically is that I’m not going to sweat over not posting to a tight schedule (I used to try and post four times a week and the deadlines and pressure just all got too much).

At the same time though, I appreciate just how satisfying it is, not to mention how stress-free I feel, when I’ve scheduled a post and I don’t have to worry about late-night frantic typing.

So I think the moral of this resolution is that there’s a good balance between strict deadlines and good preparation. And I’m going to try hard to get that happy in-between.

3) Thou shall not compare thyself with others…

Ah Instagram how I love you so. But equally how I hate how you for making me feel worthless/not good enough/pretty/thin/cool/edgy enough.

Don’t get me wrong, I really do love Instagram. But I hate the way it’s allowed me to compare myself to every single other blogger and YouTuber out there, leaving me with feelings of total inadequacy.

I know I can’t actually blame Insatgram for this however. It’s not its fault. It’s something that I have to work on and try hard not to compare.

Because it’s a slippery slope. I just need to not get so down or jealous when I look at other feeds and instead focus on putting more into my own. I hate the way I feel like Instagram is a competition these days too. I don’t want to compete with anyone, but the whole numbers/followers game is a very tough one to play sometimes, especially when you’re made to feel like it really is all about the followers.

4) Quality, not quantity

Like I said earlier, I used to beat myself up if I didn’t get those four posts published a week. And that’s back in 2015 when I was mummy-blogging and had a small baby and a toddler! I genuinely wonder how I found the time to do it all. I must’ve lived off coffee. But to be honest, the posts weren’t great quality and neither were the photos.

I’m going to make every effort in 2018 to up my photography game and my writing. I won’t rush to post on Instagram or the blog if I’m not 100% happy with it cause at the end of the day, I don’t think there’s any point doing something you love if it’s a half-arsed attempt.

5) Branching out…..

I’ve been a fan of YouTube since 2009. I remember watching Fleur de Force’s videos when I was supposed to be essay writing for uni and being amazed by this whole new world of social media. I never thought I’d even entertain the idea of maybe having my own channel one day. And I still wonder whether I’m ready…

But now that we have Insta stories and I’m slowly getting more confident with talking to camera, I’m starting to finally get used to the idea. So I’m not saying if or when, I’m just saying maybe watch this space…

So that’s it for my blog resolutions for 2018. I’ve made some amazing friends through blogging especially in the last part of the year (shout out to Dorset Lifestyle and Bournemouth Bloggers in particular!), and I’m really excited for the events and opportunities that 2018 may bring.

I started blogging because I love to write and wanted to share my voice with others, and that still remains my main reason. Of course the experiences that blogging creates these days are amazing, and careers can be made from blogging which I still can’t even get my head around. I mean being paid to do what you love is the dream right?

I love blogging and all that it is capable of, and will really try to enjoy the next year, maybe not take myself so seriously, and just embrace what may come of it all.

On a final note I just want to say a huge big thank you to whoever you are for reading this. Whether you’ve stumbled upon this post by accident, or follow me and my online ramblings, thank you for the read and I wish you an amazing and very HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope that 2018 brings you everything you ever wished for.

Thank you so much Sophie! The past few months I’ve found myself doing it more and more often without even realising and it’s started to affect my self-esteem. Relieved to know I’m not the only one though, but I think we all need to start appreciating ourselves a lot more! Thank you for the comment and wishing you a very Happy New Year! Xxxx